A 922 FE Electric Excavator has already completed a successful one-month demonstration trial at BAL’s chromite mine in Kaliapani, delivering compelling results as the first-ever deployment of electric mining equipment in Odisha’s chrome mining industry. With full-scale implementation set to commence shortly, the initiative marks BAL’s resolute commitment to transitioning from non-renewable fossil fuels to clean energy and building a verifiable carbon-credit pathway through measurable emission reductions.
The demonstration trial yielded transformative results. By deploying the electric excavator against a conventional HSD-operated HITACHI 220 of identical capacity, BAL achieved a complete elimination of point-of-operation carbon emissions — from 40 kg of CO₂ per hour to absolute zero — removing roughly 28,800 kg of CO₂ in just one month.
| Parameter | ⛽ HSD HITACHI 220 | ⚡ 922 FE Electric | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| CO₂ at point of operation | 40 kg/hour | 0 kg/hour | ✅ 100% eliminated |
| Energy / fuel cost | ₹92/litre (HSD) | ₹7.20/kWh (grid) | 🔌 Clean grid power |
| Hourly operating cost | ₹1,104 | ₹462 | ⬇️ 58% lower |
| Productivity | 1,002 MT/hour | 1,105 MT/hour | ⬆️ +10% |
The shift from non-renewable HSD to grid electricity slashed hourly operating costs by 58%, while the EV unit outperformed its HSD counterpart by 10% — this paradigm shift enhances productivity while eliminating dependence on fossil fuels.
Buoyed by the demo’s success, BAL has approved the phase-wise deployment of 4–5 additional electric loaders and excavators across its Chrome Beneficiation Plant and active mining zones. At full fleet capacity, the impact is projected to be substantial:
As part of its commitment to sustainable and responsible mining, Balasore Alloys Ltd. has embarked upon a comprehensive programme to transition its mining fleet from Internal Combustion Engine (ICE)-based equipment to Electric Vehicles (EVs) and battery-operated machinery — a significant step toward reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, diesel consumption, and particulate-matter generation at Kaliapani.
The progressive induction of this battery-electric fleet is expected to deliver a substantial and measurable reduction in diesel consumption and a commensurate decrease in CO₂ and particulate-matter emissions from operations within the mine premises. Balasore Alloys Ltd. is committed to accelerating this transition in accordance with the deployment plan.
Zero point-of-operation emissions, lower diesel use and particulate matter, and up to 1,728 tonnes of CO₂ avoided each year — building a verifiable carbon-credit pathway.
Cleaner air at the worksite, reduced noise, and a dedicated cross-functional team spanning safety, HR, and operations driving a responsible transition for the workforce and community.
A Board-informed, phased deployment plan with measurable targets and clear timelines, aligned with India’s climate commitments and BAL’s Vision 2030 roadmap.
What began as a novel conservation initiative has matured into a paradigmatic blueprint — systematically transitioning operations from HSD dependence toward electrified mining systems, while unlocking measurable carbon credits and reinforcing BAL’s long-term decarbonisation roadmap. The management remains fully committed to achieving and maintaining compliance with all prescribed environmental norms and to continuously improving the environmental performance of the Kaliapani Chromite Mines.
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